BREAKING: Wood pulls out Leeds United's clash with Sunderland as Burnley close in

Chris Wood is expected to undergo a medical at Burnley tomorrow ahead of a move to Turf Moor after pulling out of Leeds United’s clash with Sunderland tonight.

The striker was omitted from Thomas Christiansen 18-man squad at the Stadium of Light after 24 hours of intense discussion between Leeds and Burnley over a fee.

The Premier League club are poised to succeed with a third bid for Wood after seeing two previous offers rejected by Leeds.

Wood issued a statement on Twitter this evening, saying: "Due to strong interest from a Premier League team, the on-going discussions with the club, and given it has always been my ambition to play at the highest level, I don't feel it is right that I play today.

"I wish the team all the best and hope the lads can pick up the three points."

United offered Wood a new three-year contract in the aftermath of Burnley’s second approach but the New Zealand captain planned to stall on responding to that proposal amid expectations that Burnley would bid for a third time this weekend.

The 25-year-old is United’s highest earner but would comfortably double his wage at Turf Moor and he has emerged as Burnley’s main target to replace Andre Gray, who joined Watford in an £18m move earlier this month.

Burnley’s latest bid is believed to be worth £15m plus add ons.

Wood trained at Thorp Arch yesterday and travelled with United’s squad to the team hotel in Sunderland.

He remained with Christiansen’s other players past lunchtime today but was expected to depart for Burnley before a 5.30pm kick-off at the Stadium of Light.

Speaking at his weekly press conference yesterday, Christiansen said: “My intention is to keep Chris with us. I believe more in the player than in the money and I believe that he can help the team to achieve our goals.

“Finally, what will happen, we will see but the club have made a good effort and offer to keep him.

“I’ve been speaking to him about the situation and telling him to be focused on what he has to do - be 100 per cent in the game against Sunderland, forget about all the rumours and try to do his best on the pitch. It will all be for his benefit.”